Page 82 of Claim Me
I felt the entire family bristling, which didn’t surprise me. What did was Marissa’s control of her emotions. She took a deep breath, even managing to issue a slight laugh, which forced various dark and filthy thoughts into the back of my mind. Rurik was furious. It seemed he’d felt that after the deal he could sweep Marissa off her feet, chaining her to his bed.
Just like I’d wanted to do.
I sensed Mikhail’s fury, which was almost as significant as mine.
“One last time and if I’m forced to say it again, there will be consequences. Marissa is not for sale. She is not an object. She will never enter into an unwanted marriage. As for Rurik, if I hear of you stalking her again, there will be other consequences.” I kept a wry smile on my face while sliding my hand underneath the table to easily grab my weapon if necessary.
Rurik issued another slew of defamatory comments while Vladimir accepted my challenge of remaining calm. He slowly lifted his gaze to Marissa then to Mikhail.
“You will regret your decision,” Vladimir said calmly.
“I doubt it,” I told him.
Rurik continued spouting off, muttering enough I knew he believed a deal had been made with Marissa as his personalprize. I did what I could to keep my cool. He put his gun away, but his desire for Marissa was clear.
“This is a legitimate and profitable business, Vladimir, but as Ms. Valentine has determined, you are not welcome here. I anticipate your complete compliance. Anything otherwise would constitute grounds for a war and I’m certain that’s not what you want.” Mikhail was angrier than I’d seen him in a long time. “Two attempts were made to kidnap Ms. Valentine. As you might imagine, that angered everyone in this organization. An example of how we handle such atrocities was provided with the loss of two additional soldiers. There will be others if necessary.”
“Yes, I understand. I assure you those incidents were not sanctioned by me,” Vladimir stated, although he chuckled as if this was one big game. Whether true or not, I just didn’t give a shit.
“Furthermore,” I said as I allowed Marissa more room at the table, “human trafficking of any kind will never, and I will repeat myself so you understand this clearly, never be tolerated. You have been given the courtesy of a warning. One is all you’re entitled to.”
Rurik slammed his fist on the table, this time pointing a finger at me. “This is not over. She belongs to me.”
“Yes, son. It is over. For now. However, I suggest you rethink the amount you’re willing to pay in exchange for the very generous loan. The offer to purchase still stands,” Vladimir said gruffly as he threw his arm in front of his son. “However, Ms. Valentine comes with the deal.”
I kept my quiet stare. The fact he was willing to purchase the resort meant he was no longer worried about how theacquisition would appear to the Feds. The shipment was large enough that once they were finished repackaging and selling, they had plans on laying low for a while and having a legitimate operation would suddenly help their tarnished reputation.
“We are businessmen. Thank you for your time, gentlemen, Ms. Valentine. Good luck on your new endeavor and I am very sorry for your loss.” Vladimir moved from the table, immediately buttoning his jacket. He stopped, turning toward Marissa once again. “I will admit you have a gift with the piano. It would be such a shame for you to discontinue a wonderful career for one considered highly dangerous.”
Everyone remained quiet, although Marissa smiled in response.
Only when they slowly left the room did I take a deep breath.
“Be careful, brother,” Mikhail said coolly. “This isn’t over.”
“No, it’s not. It’s just beginning.”
CHAPTER 23
Marissa
Was it possible my father had agreed to sell me off? No, I couldn’t believe it. Not a chance.
Then why was my stomach filled with what felt like a swarm of stinging bees?
The bastards believed I was part of the deal, even when offering ten million fucking dollars. I was angry. No, I was pissed off. Right now, that was much worse.
“Fucking assholes,” I hissed, which amused Kazimir. At least I’d sensed his fury all the way to my core. The fact he’d come to my defense with such vehemence had allowed me to see just how possessive he truly was.
Even now, the way he was looking at me was with admiration and perhaps a little bit of surprise.
The little wallflower musician had a spine.
I could almost feel everyone’s eyes on me.
The moment was cathartic for me. Being able to shred that huge check was freeing. But seeing the look on the faces of the two Russians would forever be priceless. Especially the younger one.
Whatever he’d said about me had set Kazimir off. What kept me from falling into utter despair and fear was the way Kazimir had reacted. I’d never seen him so angry and he’d been furious with me several times.
